Catastrophic flooding along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems has swept away entire villages near the Nepal-Tibet border, destroying homes, farms, and livelihoods. According to the BBC, Nepalese authorities reported that 675 people had died. More than 7,500 people had been rescued, nearly 2,500 remained missing, and 219 had been injured.
Following a preliminary assessment, AMURT and AMURTEL mobilized 16 tons of food and essential relief supplies for severely affected communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Reaching Nilakantha High School
One of the team’s most challenging missions was reaching Nilakantha High School, where more than 1,700 children and adults had taken shelter. Two hundred of the children came from a village that was completely washed away, destroying their homes, crops, belongings, and everything familiar to them.
The children survived because they were at school when the flood struck. Those who remained at home were caught in the disaster, and some children lost one or both parents. The school principal also lost three family members.
When the team learned that the school had only three days of supplies remaining, it immediately organized an emergency delivery. The 45-kilometer journey took 15 hours because landslides had severely damaged and blocked the roads. Heavy machinery was needed to clear the route and assist vehicles that became stuck.
Despite these extraordinary difficulties, the team reached the school and delivered urgently needed food, clothing, toiletries, sanitary pads, and cooking supplies to the children and adults sheltering there.
The Work Ahead
The needs remain enormous, from food, safe drinking water, shelter, and medical care to psychosocial support for children and other vulnerable people. With entire villages destroyed and thousands still missing, long-term assistance will also be needed to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, support schools, and strengthen communities.
AMURT and AMURTEL will continue adapting their response as needs evolve. AMURT has extensive experience in Nepal, including major rebuilding efforts following the 2015 earthquake.
Your contribution will help us reach survivors in isolated communities and provide essential assistance during this crisis. Please donate today to support AMURT’s relief efforts in Nepal.
AMURT Nepal is loading a truck with relief supplies for communities affected by the flash flood.
